Acquisition of a Reactor for Rapid Characterization of Catalysts for CWA Destruction
Abstract
Through the application of advanced in operando and in situ experimental methods, we aim to develop next-generation filtration and decontamination catalysts for the uptake and decomposition of chemical warfare agents (CWAs). The primary focus of our effort is on novel filtration media that include metal organic frameworks (MOFs), polyoxometalates (POMs), and TiO2-supported metal nanoparticles that have shown promise in trapping and reacting CWAs for potential military applications. The primary experimental approaches to unraveling the mechanistic details of CWA chemistry on catalysts include synchrotron based methods such as X-ray adsorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and detailed ultrahigh vacuum methods. The advanced experimental approach is supported by cutting-edge synthetic chemistry for the development of new catalyst candidates. This multifaceted scientific endeavor has brought together a team of experts in high-energy spectroscopy, surface science, synchrotron-based methods, synthesis, and computational chemistry. Through this program, the team is quickly developing insight into the effect of ambient conditions and environmental compounds on catalyst activity that is guiding new filtration and decontamination strategies. As the research program begins to yield a variety of new materials, efficient screening of catalytic efficiency, sorptive capacity, and product distributions is required before the top catalyst candidates are selected for more detailed in operando studies. Further catalyst screening, under ambient conditions, is also necessary for identifying the most promising systems for potential transition to practical applications. Therefore, we propose the purchase of an advanced catalytic reactor designed explicitly for the characterization of catalyst activity under ambient conditions. The proposed reactor will be capable of determining how environmental conditions, such as humidity, hydrocarbon contamination, and thermal cycling, affect the yield and identity of effluent vapors following catalysis. Results from the reactor characterization experiments will help to identify where improvements could be realized through modified synthetic procedures. A continuous feedback loop between synthesis and characterizationÐthrough both reactor experiments and mechanistic studiesÐwill help identify the most promising strategies for catalytic destruction of toxic compounds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810383
Entities
People
- John A Morris
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- Virginia Tech